February 2018

Smile
Warmblood gelding
Savannah College of Art & Design

As his name suggests, this horse puts a smile on your face. From his sweet demeanor to his lovely gaits, this horse has a lot going for him. He is a versatile and easy-going guy who excels at several divisions. While he is great at teaching riders to be mindful in the saddle, he takes simple direction and always puts his best hoof forward. Not much ever seems to put this horse in a bad mood. He is essentially a 1000-pound puppy ready to work and be your friend.

January 2018

It doesn't matter if you're an Open rider preparing for Nationals, or a brand new walk trotter taking their first steps, Remi is the horse that will always be there for his rider. A favorite to many, Remi is loved deeply by the entire team. Just entering his fourth year in the IHSA program, Remi seems like an old pro. Tending to the timid riders, but challenging the advanced. Oregon State is lucky to have such an amazingly kind animal to train with as a partner, and we look forward to see what he can accomplish in his very bright future!

November 2017

Name: Oscar

Oscar has been an IHSA horse for St. Lawrence University for five years. Although he begrudgingly endures flatwork he is happiest in novice, intermediate, and open fences. A regular draw at regionals, zones, and nationals he has helped many riders to the winners circle. In his spare time he entertains himself by trying diligently to step on his unsuspecting riders toes.

Photo courtesy Maureen Michelson

October 2017

Name: Harley

Registered name: Hotrod in Chrome

Breed: Quarter Horse

School: Middle Tennessee State University

Sometimes the horses that stick out the most are the ones that showcase the talents of an individual so much. For MTSU's Harley, he happened to showcase the talents of Mrs. Anne Brzezicki in his many years of stardom as a school horse. When Harley was donated, the term "juvenile delinquent" comes to mind. He was swift in quickly dismounting many riders over the top of him. Anne's consistent work with her students to build Harley's skills, combined with the wise decision to only ride him western for a few years, turned out to be a legendary plan for Harley's IHSA career. Anne has always been proud of her riders' success at the national level, but she is also proud when MTSU's horses represent the training philosophies taught at MTSU in the winners' circle. Harley has won his fair share of national championships, adding another this year. Despite his initial antics as a school horse, Harley has gone on to teach many students how to lope for the first time, as well as the most advanced horsemanship maneuvers of the open riders. With Anne's retirement from coaching, she leaves behind a legacy in the IHSA, but her talent is left in all that she taught. Anne notoriously believed in even the most unlikely of characters, and she brought out the best in all she touched. Harley became a star IHSA horse, because Anne saw something in him all those years ago.

Photo courtesy MTSU

Spotlight Horse April 2017

Star is loved far and wide. She was rescued when she was two from a terrible situation and she quickly learned how great life could be when it involved loving students. She has taken riders from the Mini-Short Stirrup division through the Large Pony Hunter division in both local and rated horse shows, and has done the equivalent for many IHSA riders. A Lafayette student created an Instagram tribute thanking her for many great performances including a win that helped her to qualify for Regionals. Coaches feel confident when their riders draw Star, especially the ones new to IHSA competition. She is now 20 years old and has participated in IHSA competition for almost 15 years!